AN_p54_p55_WheelPower-motability_40+44_AN107_Long.QXD 28/09/2025 22:29 Page 1
Creating opportunity and celebrating achievement at the National Junior Games 2025
Image: Roger Bool Photography
In late June, ninety-two young people came together at the birthplace of the Paralympic movement to take part in the National Junior Games. Three days of adaptive sport, with participants having the opportunity to take part in many different activities from archery to wheelchair basketball to handcycling. Perhaps even trying out the newer sport of Para Laser based on the modern pentathlon. Twenty different sports were available and attendees were able to try them all. The National Junior Games is an annual event held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. It is open to all young people aged from 11-18 who have a physical disability. Many of these come as part of a school group although there are also a considerable number of individuals who come on their own. One such person was Jack – having attended the year before, he was keen to return and, with dad Mark, was very excited to take part in both swimming and the wheelchair rugby. Completely understandable – the pool at Stoke Mandeville is very well equipped. It is a 25m pool with an 54
electric Poolpod hoist and has a selection of wheelchairs available. Swimmers can be wheeled directly onto the hoist in one of the chairs and lowered into the water, which makes for a smooth transition, with minimal transfers needed. Out of the pool there is a huge sports hall with space for many different activities to take place. Whether the fancy was for wheelchair rugby, table tennis or badminton it was all happening in here. In addition to another hall, there is also the stadium outside, complete with 400m track and room for field athletics. The event is hosted by WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport. The charity host numerous events and training courses throughout the year, as well as providing online classes for people to take part in. This particular event is unique however, as it is the only one purely for young people. The ethos is to provide everyone with the Image: Roger Bool Photography opportunity to Ability Needs Magazine